Introduction
Dietary supplements based on proteins or collagen collagen are becoming increasingly popular. But they don't meet the same needs: so should you choose one or the other? Or are the two complementary?
In this article, we compare proteins and collagento help you make the right choice according to your objectives (bodybuilding, joint health, skin, hair, nails).
What is a protein?
Proteins are the building bricks of the human body. They are composed of essential amino acids and are indispensable for :
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Building and repairing muscles
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Strengthen the immune system
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Produce vital enzymes and hormones
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Maintain lean body mass
Visit whey protein (whey) or vegetable proteins (peas, soy, rice) are the supplements most commonly used by athletes.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant most abundant structural protein in the body. It represents about 30% of total proteins and is found mainly in :
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The skin (elasticity, firmness)
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Visit joints and tendons (mobility, strength)
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The bones (bone density)
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Visit hair and nails (strength, shine)
Collagen naturally diminishes with age (from 25-30), which explains the appearance of wrinkles, loss of skin tone and joint pain.
Protein vs. collagen: the comparison
|
Criteria |
ProteinsWhey, vegetable...) |
Collagen (peptides, hydrolysate) |
|
Composition |
Essential amino acids (BCAA rich) |
Rich in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline |
|
Main objective |
Muscle growth and recovery |
Skin, joint and bone health |
|
Digestibility |
Good (especially isolate) |
Very good (hydrolyzed → fast absorption) |
|
The perfect moment |
After training, at breakfast |
On an empty stomach in the morning or in the evening before bedtime |
|
Target audience |
Athletes, weight loss, maintaining lean body mass |
People 25+, joint health, anti-aging |
|
Popularity |
Very common in sports |
Booming (beauty & health) |
What are the benefits of protein?
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Development of muscle mass
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Recovery after training
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Satiety (helps weight loss)
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Maintaining muscle mass during caloric deficits
What are the benefits of collagen?
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Hydration and elasticity and elasticity
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Reduction of wrinkles and signs of aging
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Support for joints, tendons and bones
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Strengthening hair and nails
Proteins and collagen: competitors or complements?
It's not an exclusive choice.
In fact, protein and collagen proteins and collagen are complementary :
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Proteinswhey, vegetable) meet energy and muscle and muscular needs.
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Collagen has a greater impact on overall health, mobility and appearance.
Athletes who take whey after training can add collagen in the morning or evening to protect joints and skin.
Conclusion
Protein or collagen?
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If your main objective is performance and recoveryfocus on proteins.
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If you're looking to improve joint and bone health, skin and hair beautychoose collagen.
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For a complete approach, combine both can deliver the best results.
In a nutshell : protein = performance, collagen = longevity and well-being.
